If you are planning to go on a cruise, it’s important to remember to pack a cruise carry-on. If you have been on a cruise before, you know how important it is not to check-in things that you will need. The reason for this is because your checked luggage will not be delivered to your stateroom right away on the first day of the cruise. It may take several hours for your luggage to arrive, which means that you should pack your first-day essentials in your carry-on bag. Here is a list of items to pack in your carry-on bag, to ensure that you have a stress-free first day on the cruise. I made a cruise carry-on bag packing list that you can download for free (see below).
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Cruise Carry-On Bag
Aside from your purse, you will need to pack a carry-on bag for your upcoming cruise. Ideally, pick a bag that should be big enough to fit a change of clothes and toiletries and it should be small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane.
It’s a good idea to choose a bag with wheels so that you don’t have to carry it, as it can get heavy. A small roller luggage like this would be perfect as your carry-on bag. This type of luggage is easy to store and transport and will make bringing it up to the ship much more comfortable.
What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag
The list below are items that you should not leave in your check-in luggage. They should be in your purse or carry-on bag so you have it with you when you board the ship.
Travel Documents (Passport/Tickets)
You need your passport, cruise travel documents and other identification. When you board the ship, make sure you keep your passport and other travel documents in your carry-on bag or purse. Don’t leave it in your checked luggage! I also like to protect my passport in this Passport Cover with RFID blocking.
Photocopy of Passport/Cards
It’s always a good idea to take precautions when traveling. One way to ensure your safety is to pack photocopies of your passport and credit cards. That way, if your wallet gets lost or stolen, you can quickly call your credit card companies to report the theft and cancel the cards. Similarly, if you lose your passport, having a photocopy of it will make it easier to report the loss to your consulate. Remember to keep these photocopies in your carry-on bag, not in your check-in luggage. Alternatively, you can take pictures of your passports and credit cards as a backup. Just make sure you have a digital or physical copy of these important documents in case of an emergency.
Cash (Small Bills)
Pack some small bills to use for tipping purposes. This will be especially helpful for tipping your porter, as well as any cruise staff who may have assisted you, such as those who helped you with your wheelchair.
Bathing Suits
Make sure to pack your bathing suit in your carry-on bag, in case you feel like taking a dip on the first day. It’s important to remember that your checked luggage will not be available until later in the afternoon, so having your bathing suit with you will save you from waiting around for it to arrive. Personally, I always pack my kids’ bathing suits because they love to jump into the pool right away.
Swim Goggles
Don’t forget the swim goggles!
Sunblock
You will need sunblock if you are planning to swim the first day. Don’t forget your lips- I like these chapsticks (they taste great and feels good)
Flip Flops
You should pack flip flops in your carry-on bag if you plan to swim on the first day.
Swim Cover Up
If you’re planning to swim on the first day, then you should pack your swim cover up in your carry-on bag. You can wear it over your bathing suit when you go to the pool. I like this swim cover up, it provides enough coverage and comes in many fun prints.
Beach Chair Towel Clips
If you’re planning to lounge by the pool on the first day, bring your beach chair towel clip in your carry-on bag. A beach chair towel clip will keep your beach towel secure on the beach chair, so it doesn’t fall off or gets blown away. It’s a pet peeve of mine to lie down on a beach chair where the towel has slipped off. I like these fun beach chair towel clips. For a less bulky option, pack these towel bands instead.
Change of Clothes
Bring a change of clothes in case you get in the pool that first day. Sometimes they don’t deliver your luggage to your cabin until almost dinner time. You will want a change of clothes after swimming at the pool.
Refillable Water Bottles
I like to pack at least one refillable water bottle in my carry-on bag. Most cruise ships don’t provide free water in your cabin, having a refillable water bottle will make it easier to get water from the buffet. I like to fill up my water bottle with water and ice and take it to my cabin.
I suggest bringing just the basic insulated water bottle with no-straw so you don’t have to deal with washing lot of small parts! And if you’re prone to losing water bottles, you might like this crossbody bag with water bottle holder.
Lysol Wipes
I like to sanitize my cabin the moment I get in, so I always keep a pack of Lysol wipes in my carry-on bag. I always bring the travel packs.
Electronics
There will be some downtime on the first day, make sure you bring your iPad, Kindle, and gaming devices with you.
Chargers
Don’t forget to pack the chargers for your phone and other electronic devices!
Toys
If you are cruising with kids, you will need their toys to keep them entertained because there will be downtime on your first day. If they have a security blanket, make sure you keep that in your carry-on luggage in case they need it for their nap because you don’t know what time your check-in luggage will arrive.
Books
If you have a book you are reading, bring it with you in your carry-on bag so you have it just in case.
Toiletry Bag
I always pack my toiletry bag in my carry-on so I have access to my face soap if I want to freshen up. To save precious bathroom countertop space, use a hanging toiletry bag.
Hand Sanitizer
Even though the ship has many sanitizing stations, you will need your own. I always have a small hand sanitizer in my carry-on bag just in case. To save you the hassle of having to always look for your hand sanitizer, use these hanging hand sanitizers instead.
Glasses
Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses if you plan to lounge by the pool. If you plan to read, bring your reading glasses.
Medication
Definitely bring your medication in your carry-on bag. My son is allergic to peanuts, and I always pack his EpiPen and allergy medication in the carry-on bag. I also pack my OTC medication in my carry-on bag just in case. Check out my Cruise Toiletry Bag and First Aid Kit packing list with free printable for you to download.
Get Your Free Cruise Carry-On Bag Packing List
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Check out my other cruise packing lists with free printables: Alaska cruise, Caribbean cruise, Mexico cruise and Mediterranean cruise.
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